‘Billy Budd’ in Buenos Aires
On July 2, 5, 10, and 12, Stephen Costello makes an anticipated role and house debut at the Teatro Colón , starring in Benjamin Britten’s complex morality tale, Billy Budd. Based on Herman Melville’s novella, the story follows the young, innocent sailor Billy Budd, whose beauty and goodness inspire admiration but also jealousy among his shipmates. One of them, John Claggart, seeks to destroy Billy, with deadly consequences. Costello sings Captain Edward Vere, the ship’s leader, who is faced with a choice between duty and mercy.
The opera itself makes its Argentine debut in Marcelo Lombardero’s production, led by maestro Erik Nielsen. Costello joins an outstanding ensemble cast, including Sean Michael Plumb in the title role, David Leigh as John Claggart, Felipe Carelli as Mr. Redburn, Fernando Radó as Mr. Flint, and Francisco Salgado Bustamante as Lieutenant Ratcliffe. The opera is partially double-cast; with Toby Spence as Captain Vere, John Chest as Billy Budd, Hernán Iturralde as John Claggart, Alejandro Spies as Mr. Redburn, and Homero Pérez Miranda as Lieutenant Ratcliffe performing on alternate days.